ORLANDO, Fla. The annual Midwinter Meeting of the National School Transportation Association will be Jan. 24-28, coinciding with UMA Motorcoach Expo 2009, which runs from Jan. 21-25. Both meetings are in Orlando.

UMA and NSTA are offering a package arrangement to individuals who want to attend both shows and participate in all events and activities.

Those signing up for the NSTA meeting will be able to take in the UMA Motorcoach Expo tradeshow floor on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The NSTA Midwinter Meeting provides attendees with an opportunity to network with industry professionals and keep up to date about developments within the school bus industry and the association.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, delegates can participate in the annual NSTA golf tournament, with a reception for all attendees and guests that evening.

On Monday, there will be a breakfast followed by a day devoted to legislative and regulatory issues. NSTA committees also will meet. Wednesday, the delegates and board members come together for a full report on association business.

The schedule is arranged to be family friendly so attendees can both work and enjoy Orlando, said Dale Krapf of Krapf Bus Companies.

"Just as UMA Motorcoach Expo is a great opportunity for school bus contractors to visit their favorite suppliers booths, the NSTA Midwinter Meeting is an excellent event for those who own and operate both school buses and motorcoaches to come together with industry colleagues, manufacturers and suppliers to network and find solutions to our industrys challenges," Krapf noted.

"I am looking forward to attending UMAs education sessions and NSTAs general sessions to learn how current topics are affecting both sides of the bus industry," Krapf added.

Members can attend both events for $475 per person and non-members can attend both events for $575 per person. The deadline for the package deal is Jan. 1. UMA Motorcoach Expo runs from Jan. 21-25.

For more information or to register, call NSTA at (800) 222-6782.